The phrase “Elvis has left the building” was first spoken over a PA system following an Elvis Presley concert in Shreveport, Louisiana on October 16, 1954. This famous phrase continued to be used at the end of all Presley performances to assure concertgoers that the show had concluded and to encourage fans to exit the venue. In short, it declared the following: Elvis is gone and no encores will be performed at this time.

At some point, I figured I would have to write about Elvis Presley. Partly because I am fascinated with his life and untimely death at age 42, and partly because there are some folks who still believe Elvis Presley is alive today.

Based on my limited research from the facts as I understand them, I believe I can confidently state the following: on August 16, 1977, Elvis Presley “left the building” for the final time. He is gone and there will be no encores.

In my opinion, between the years 1970 through 1977, Elvis Presley’s body had become a medical train wreck. He was grossly overweight, had an enlarged heart with irregular heartbeat, suffered high blood pressure, and was addicted to prescription medications. Based on the position of his body discovered inside his Graceland bathroom, “The King” was literally on his “throne” when he expired. My cause of death theory concludes Presley was engaged in a stressful bowel movement that eventually stopped his weakened heart from beating. I further believe that prior to visiting the toilet, Presley consumed an unimaginable variety of incompatible medications. It was the perfect storm and a disaster waiting to happen.

One of the items on my “bucket list” is to visit Presley’s beloved home Graceland in Memphis Tennessee. Before I depart the property, I will pay my respects to the shrine that marks Elvis’s final resting place. As I slowly take in the elaborate gravesite, I will know with certainty that six feet beneath the slab of iron and granite lies the remains of Elvis Aaron Presley, one of the most influential and celebrated entertainers that ever walked the face of the earth.

Ladies and gentleman, Elvis has left the building. There will be no encores.